Senior Research Associate (Martian Plasma Environment)

A short-term position is available in the Space and Planetary Physics group in the Department of Physics at Lancaster University. This is a diverse and dynamic research group exploiting space missions to study the ionospheres and magnetospheres of Earth, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn.

The post focusses on research into the response of the outer Martian plasma environment to solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field drivers and the coupling between the inner Martian plasma environment and interplanetary space. This research will involve you working with data from spacecraft missions such as MAVEN, Mars Express and the Mars Global Surveyor, developing computer-based analysis and visualisation techniques appropriate to address the scientific goals of the project. You will have the opportunity to disseminate the scientific results of the project to a wide audience via relevant meetings and you will be expected to prepare a paper for publication in a high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journal. You should be willing to engage in training, professional development, and knowledge exchange opportunities offered by the university and collaborate effectively with other members of the Space and Planetary Physics research group.

You will be joining a group of scientists studying the space plasma environment stretching from the surface of the Sun to the upper atmosphere of the Earth and other planets, exploiting both space- and ground-based experiments. The Physics Department provides an open, congenial, flexible work environment with a strong record of research excellence. It is strongly committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who will contribute to the further diversification of our department. Information about our campus, some of the local amenities at the university and the surrounding areas can be found at http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/about-us/theuniversity/our-campus/.

This is a six month fixed term contract commencing 1 June 2017 (or soon thereafter)

Interviews are planned for 9 May in person (if UK based) or via video link (if based outside the UK).